New leads

An unsolved 1992 murder case in Benton, Mo., took another turn recently that could possibly lead to a solution. The Scott County Sheriff's Department is following up on new leads resulting from the recent airing of "48 Hours Mystery." Sheriff Rick Walter said some of the leads provide new information that will give investigators something to work with.

After the murder of Mischelle Lawless, Joshua Kezer was arrested, charged and convicted, receiving a 60-year prison term. Kezer was released from prison a year ago after Sheriff Walter reopened the case, leading to a judge's decision to exonerate Kezer because of flaws in his prosecution.

Although Kezer's release was hailed as a victory for an innocent man who was wrongfully convicted, it was an emotional bomb for the Lawless family and her many friends. Now they had to wonder -- and worry -- anew about who the real killer might be.

The sheriff said his office began receiving calls relating to the case even before the TV show ended. Among the information passed along were new names, dates and times pertaining to the case.

Walter is eager to follow up on the new leads. Anyone with information is asked to provide contact details for anyone who has firsthand details of the Lawless murder.